Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (modern Italy). He was born into a fairly prestigious family. He started going to the University of Paris to study to obtain a master's degree in philosophy. After this he wrote numerous works. He began preaching to the mass and there developed theories of him having the ability to levitate. Thomas died on the way to a meeting where Thomas's work for Pope Urban IV concerning the Greeks, Contra errores graecorum, was to be presented.
School of Thought/ Major Beliefs/ Teachings
He criticized philosophers and called them Pagans. He had respect for Aristotle, and cited him many times. He did not consider himself a philosopher, but rather a theologian. His thoughts had enormous influence on Christian philosophy. Thomas Aquinas believed "that for the knowledge of any truth whatsoever man needs divine help, that the intellect may be moved by God to its act." However, he believed that human beings have the natural capacity to know many things without special divine revelation, even though such revelation occurs from time to time, "especially in regard to such (truths) as pertain to faith." But this is the light that is given to man by God according to man's nature: "Now every form bestowed on created things by God has power for a determined actuality, which it can bring about in proportion to its own proper endowment; and beyond which it is powerless, except by a superadded form, as water can only heat when heated by the fire. And thus the human understanding has a form, intelligible light, which of itself is sufficient for knowing certain intelligible things, those we can come to know through the senses."
Major Writings
His best-known works are the Summa Theologiae and the Summa Contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Scripture and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. Furthermore, Thomas is distinguished for his eucharist hymns, which form a part of the Church's liturgy.
Influenced By/ Legacy
At a young age, he was introduced to and influenced by Aristotle, Averroes, Maimonides, and John Poinsot. John influenced Thomas to try to join the Dominican Order. Thomas largely influenced modern philosophy and thought.
Further Reading
Wikipedia is a good source for biographies and finding a lot of information.
1225-1274
Biography
Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (modern Italy). He was born into a fairly prestigious family. He started going to the University of Paris to study to obtain a master's degree in philosophy. After this he wrote numerous works. He began preaching to the mass and there developed theories of him having the ability to levitate. Thomas died on the way to a meeting where Thomas's work for Pope Urban IV concerning the Greeks, Contra errores graecorum, was to be presented.School of Thought/ Major Beliefs/ Teachings
He criticized philosophers and called them Pagans. He had respect for Aristotle, and cited him many times. He did not consider himself a philosopher, but rather a theologian. His thoughts had enormous influence on Christian philosophy. Thomas Aquinas believed "that for the knowledge of any truth whatsoever man needs divine help, that the intellect may be moved by God to its act."However, he believed that human beings have the natural capacity to know many things without special divine revelation, even though such revelation occurs from time to time, "especially in regard to such (truths) as pertain to faith." But this is the light that is given to man by God according to man's nature: "Now every form bestowed on created things by God has power for a determined actuality, which it can bring about in proportion to its own proper endowment; and beyond which it is powerless, except by a superadded form, as water can only heat when heated by the fire. And thus the human understanding has a form, intelligible light, which of itself is sufficient for knowing certain intelligible things, those we can come to know through the senses."
Major Writings
His best-known works are the Summa Theologiae and the Summa Contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Scripture and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. Furthermore, Thomas is distinguished for his eucharist hymns, which form a part of the Church's liturgy.Influenced By/ Legacy
At a young age, he was introduced to and influenced by Aristotle, Averroes, Maimonides, and John Poinsot. John influenced Thomas to try to join the Dominican Order. Thomas largely influenced modern philosophy and thought.Further Reading
Wikipedia is a good source for biographies and finding a lot of information.